Hi Mr. R, You're not ignorant, perhaps just new to Internet and texting shorthand. It's not just here on the gardenweb forums, but other internet forums too, as well as Twitter and other social networking sites. I first encountered the "D words" some years ago on my Weight Watchers support group forum. So, and I don't know the linguistic history as far as how this became the convention, but "D" anything stands for "dear" and then insert family member. So my DH, DD, and DS would refer to my dear husband, daughter, and son, respectively. Doesn't matter if you think they're actually dear, or a PITA (pain in the hind end), that's just the shorthand for referring to them. Sometimes you have to take in the context, because DS could also be your sister. The in-law members are MIL, SIL, BIL, etc., which would be mother, sister (or son), and brother in law, respectively. KD was new to me here on the KF (kitchen forum) and stands for Kitchen Designer, someone many people who participate on this forum can afford to hire, but not I. Since I've been researching in anticipation of remodeling my kitchen in a few years, I've run across that term elsewhere on the Internet. There are blogs and sites that list a lot of Internet shorthand abbreviations. If you google, "what does DH stand for on Internet," for example, you can find these sites. HTH! TIA! (Hope this helps! Thanks in advance!) :-) ETA (edited to add): I appreciate the shorthand abbreviations because 98% of my posts are written on my phone and the abbreviations make it a little easier.) Sincerely, Debbie

Thanks all! I know Ditra doesn't stop flex, just thought it might help reduce cracking from the flex that I fail to eliminate if that makes sense. :) There is a space about 8" tall above the cabinet doors under the counter which should allow for placement of a sturdy corbel or something at the end. Couldn't hurt, right? (Especially since I have no plans to ever sit there. ha!) Anyway, do I want a decoupling membrane over my second piece of plywood? Or can I skip it if I get everything nice and firm? It's supposed to be a dry area but it is a kitchen...

Heatheron40, very nice. I asked a question about doing a tile countertop in our guest cabin recently as I feel like the look would complement the cabin aesthetic. Also I’m dying to learn to tile and thought it would be a fun place to start as it’s not an everyday space and I could take my time. Most of the responses were against. Basically stating the grout would make me crazy. The guy at the said what you’re saying I think, he said that modern grouts are more resistant to staining and such, and also to go with a tinted grout of some sort. I love your use of pattern to give it interest and intention!

cpartist.....Seriously.....I would not be frying with someone sitting there. Besides, there is a pop up vent behind the cook top and it wouldn't be appropriate to have it raised if someone were sitting there. This space will only be used for going through the mail, having a cup of coffee, or maybe a sandwich....when no "real" cooking is going on. Actually....the space is a focal point, mostly for looks only, from the dining room into the kitchen and just needs a little something to make it flow. Thanks for your input!